Daring Northampton abseil duo set to raise thousands of pounds to help reduce number of elderly people in isolation

Two fearless colleagues have completed a 400 ft abseil down the National Lift Tower in Northampton and are on target to raise over £2,500 for national older person's charity, MHA.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Oct 2016, 10:27 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2016, 17:43 BST

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Becky CalcraftBecky Calcraft
Becky Calcraft

Becky Calcraft and Anna Hughes are Live at Home Assistant Managers for the charity and run schemes to provide support and services for older people living in Northampton.

Ms Calcraft said: “The hardest part was starting the abseil. Even though we had been told that we were securely held by two ropes - one controlled by the staff and one by the person abseiling - getting over the edge and leaning back was terrifying.”

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It is understood that the ladies have raised their money through collecting sponsorship, some of which came from the people they support in the community through the ‘Live at Homes’ schemes.

Ray Gardner, Manager for the Live at Home Schemes in Northampton said: “Over 200 older people per year benefit from the ‘Live at Home’ schemes we run locally and money raised from events like the abseil help to secure and extend our services for the future.

“We’re all immensely proud of Becky and Anna for taking part in such a daring challenge and raising such a fantastic amount.”

The MHA charity operates over 70 Live at Home schemes throughout the country, which provide a wide range of activities including befriending services, lunch clubs and coffee mornings for the elderly.

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These schemes are set to provide vital social interaction, which ultimately reduces isolation and loneliness amongst older people in the community.

The service relies on fundraising to continue its vital work.

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